OIL LEAK

This is my first post but I’ve been on here reading up everyday since I bought my first Tacoma a little less than a month ago so thanks everyone for all the great info and tips!

The reason I am posting is a bit unsettling though. Today is 12/11/23 and I bought my 23 taco brand new 11/22/23 at Romano Toyota in East Syracuse NY, there are 785 miles on the truck and it’s LEAKING OIL.

I noticed a bit of a smell the first couple weeks but kept telling myself it was just new brakes, break in period, etc. This is my first brand new vehicle, I’ve always bought used so I didn’t know what was normal. The other day my father in law noticed a stain in the driveway where I always park and brought it to my attention. So I got under the truck right away and ran my finger across the middle of the frame and it was soaked in oil, dripping! I checked the oil and it’s showing full on the dipstick still but it’s a substantial stain in the driveway and amount of oil dripping from the truck.

I went to the dealer today and they said they can’t get me in for another 5 days…I set up an appointment for Friday 12/15 but I’m nervous about what might happen in the meantime.

I have to get to work the rest of the week and it’s my only vehicle atm so I’m worried about the engine over the next week. I’ve read up on the leaking timing covers and the horror stories of people having to drop the engine to fix it. I’m worried that the truck may never run the same; 1- after they fix it if that does end up being the problem or 2- if I run it while it’s leaking all week.

So I want to know what you guys think I should do? Do I go back and demand they take the truck now and give me a loaner? Do I let the oil continue to leak the rest of the week? What if they fix it and the truck never runs the same? Do I go to an attorney and the channel 9 news and hope for a whole new truck?

It may not end up being that big of a deal but it’s such a huge bummer to buy my first brand new truck
and have to deal with the kind of bullshit I used to with old used trucks.

Any input would be helpful. Thanks TW community.

 

First thing Id check is if the oil filter is on tight.

 

I assume it's a dribble and the dipstick reads fine.

To feel better, check the dipstick daily. I'll bet you won't have to add anything.

Keep the appointment and let them correct the problem with that warranty that you paid big bucks for.

 

Take it back and demand a loaner.


90% its going to be much ado about nothing and either be oil spilled on the engine (common) or a loose plug/filter (also common). If you can't trace the leak yourself then you don't know the severity. Dont drive it unless you know where and how much.

 

Get it towed back. Keep brief notes in point form of the date, time and person you spoke to and of what was said. Tell them nicely you need a loaner. When they bs you tell them you will be opening a file with the state ag’s office and they will be getting 2 4th of July fireworks displays, this year.

 

I'd drive it until the service department can take a look. If you are that concerned, check the oil every few days. If things get too out of hand, warnings will trigger on the dash. This isn't a big deal, but I understand the frustration coming from such a new truck.
Calling channel 9 and coming in hot headed will only make the dealer and techs working on the truck be disinclined to help you and put in the quality work your truck deserves.
Once repaired it will run like nothing ever happened, that's the point of warranty and quality repairs.
It's a mass-produced machine. It'll probably have a few leaks and issues throughout its life. Nothings perfect.
Be thankful it's not some of the domestic trucks where you'd need a new transmission.

Apologies in advance for some sarcasm, I work with warranty and repairs for motorcycles and the last year or so the general public has been on one. Demanding buy backs on vehicles that are well used and usually for very minor problems that are easily repairable. Makes me wonder if the only real problem people are having are facing their loan payments...

 

For reference, this happened to the brand new mazda I bought last year. We brought it home and it was smoking and dripping oil. We turned right around and brought it back. I suspected what it was and they confirmed it - it was just a bit of spilled oil on the engine block. They washed the engine bay and offered to tack on a free oil change, which I didn't really need, I just wanted them to confirm that it wasn't a leak. It at least established a good relationship with that service bay though. That conversation helped me figure out real quick which of them know and love cars, and who just wants to push buttons on their ipad.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

So I just got under the truck to try and trace it and the first thing I noticed was a large gap in the passenger cv shaft and realized it was not motor oil but rather gear oil (should have known better by the smell) so with this new information should I be as concerned about wrecking the diff over the next week? I’ll attach some pics of both sides and you guys will be able to tell which is leaking but the drivers side looks a little out of whack too. Thank you everyone for welcoming me and quickly helping with this. You guys rock!

 

That's no bueno. The red arrow I drew points to the sealing surface. If you can see that surface, the seal isn't sealing:



Looks like the passenger CV joint popped out for some reason. This should be fixed before driving further. If you have a hammer and large pry bar or chisel, you can engage it in one of the notches (green arrow) on the CV cup and hammer it back into the diff. If you aren't able or willing to fix it yourself, call the nearest dealer for a tow (doesn't have to be the selling dealer).

If you choose to fix it yourself, you'll want to top up the diff oil afterwards. That requires a 10mm Allen bit, new crush washer, etc.

 

Have it towed back to the dealer ricky tick. Somebody dropped the ball on the assembly line.

 

Thank you for having the gumption to investigate some yourself.

And to report back your findings, as we all like to learn. Well most of us. Like anything with thousands of users we do have our double handfull of whiners along with those who post and ghost.

As others suggest, time for a tow and a loaner.

 

I considered tapping it back in and topping off the diff but was worried that they could claim that I had something to do with it getting messed up to begin with and void my warranty. After talking to service (and sales) they told me to leave it alone and use the SOS button in my truck to have it towed back to the dealership. Same dealership I drove the truck too earlier today So now I’m just gonna hurry up and wait until Friday for my service appointment. Borrowing my dad’s tundra in the meantime… no loaner. My biggest concern now is that I’ve caused permanent damage to the diff and or other components in the front axle by driving it while leaking for at least the last few days but probably since I’ve owned the truck. Thanks again to everyone for your input

 

The diff will be fine. It's not anywhere near dry nor have you indicated you've even been using it.

Don't understand the no loaner deal. Truck is warrantied and should not be driven. Does any of your pile of paperwork speak to that?

 

Yeah, they claim to have a “fleet of over 300 loaner vehicles” but said none that are available to me right now or at least until my service appointment on Friday.

As far as the front diff goes I haven’t been using 4WD at all but I’ve been driving my normal commute each day about 20 miles total and then some.

 

Ah yes there's roadside assistance included with a new Toyota purchase. This way Toyota pays for the tow, not you or the dealer.

If they send a wheel lift tow truck (as opposed to a flatbed), make sure the driver uses a dolly.

 

They got it with the flat bed.

Come to think of it we did get hit with a storm the end of November and I did use 4hi when the roads got slick. Maybe that’s when it happened?

But although it wasn’t engaged since, what are the chances (and possible consequences) that the diff or any other components may have been damaged due to lack of oil in the meantime?

 

Doesn't matter. It's on them. Can always ask for the extended ( I think platinum?) warranty since you just got it

 

Do you mean to ask them to give it to me for free now that there’s been a problem so soon?

 

Correct..I forget if it's called platinum or something else. I want to say it's 8 yrs 100K or 125K?